15 Things That Shock Universal Orlando Guests
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- Опубліковано 27 тра 2024
- Virtual queue wristbands, weird beverages, and a TROLLercoaster? These are the most SHOCKING things you need to know about Universal Orlando before you go.
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I have been enjoying the Universal and Islands of adventure content on this channel. Thank you for expanding beyond just Disney.
We’re excited to start covering it more, too!
Hagrids tip from someone who's just spent 2 weeks there - ignore the tip to get there early. The wait during early admission up until around 10/11am was 2hrs+, then around 1pm/2pm went down to 50 mins at one point. Everyone rushes there first thing x
Universal literally tells you horror nights is not for kids, it's very well posted all over the site when you buy tickets and all over the park. I see parents ignore this every year then get mad when their kids are screaming and crying while terrified. No everything has to be for kids, leave them at home
Good tips. Happy to see you are expanding to Universal. Be nice to the people who work there. It is not their fault if a ride goes down. At Universal we had been caught in a rain shower at Men in Black just as the ride broke. Spent time talking to the staff. When the ride reopened they took us in first and gave the four of us the VIP treatment. Even a behind the scenes tour. Just because we were friendly and didn't complain. These are the moments that can make or break a trip!
Yes!! Universal team members can be so-so kind!! ❤
Everyone can get the VIP treatment at Men in Black 😂😂😂
Universal was more fun to me overall when I was in Orlando in December, although the nostalgia and magic of Disney still puts them on par to me. I watch all the videos from DFB and All Ears, so thankfully I was not shocked or taken by surprise, but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment and fun of the parks.
We always wait until the end of the night for Hagrids. They move the lines faster to get it closed up so we never wait the posted time, and the ride is better at night
I feel that way about a lot of rides. Riding coasters in the dark is WAY more thrilling!
Smart
Yeah that trick is no longer a trick.....too many vloggers telling everyone to do it.
@@Mostwnr207 good point
Was there yesterday, twenty minutes before park close the listed wait was 80minutes, they churned us through in 25!
When my family went in 2022 we got a night at a hotel SPECIFICALLY because of the saving on passes, we found it so worth the outlay and plus you're a lot closer to the resort. Get one night, head to the hotel early and leave your luggage there then after the park head to your room, in the morning check out but leave luggage again then collect after the park day. We're going to be doing it again next year too but with 2 nights instead because of epic universe
Just buy annual passes, as it is by far the cheapest way to do the parks. The 40% off hotel stays with it is by far the best deal.
Bumble Bee's food truck has amazing tacos. No one goes there, it is just a fixed truck near the Simpson's area that people walk past and ignore. They have a Korean Short-rib Taco (they come in pairs) which are delicious (not a term I often use for park food). For AJ, they also have Coke products so can make your way to Diagon Alley with a refreshing Diet Coke. Give it a try next time you are there (the tacos, not the diet coke).
Can I try the tacos AND Diet Coke?
@@dfbbreea no, you have to choose one or the other! 😅
Would love for DFB to go to an Orlando Informer event at Universal. They are the best!
The first aid staff are so sweet in Universal. A couple of years ago, I got sick after riding The Simpsons 4D and a nice lady at first aid let me lay down and rest for a bit until I felt better. ❤
Our family has been to Disney multiple times prior to pandemic and we were planning to go again this April -- until we priced out the trip. Basically, a Universal 5-day pass AND a really nice “value” hotel (better than a Disney moderate resort) was equal in price to simple park admission in Disney. Food was really good in the hotel (better than Disney) and the service and general vibes were simple and relaxed. Literally the polar opposite of Disney. How much fun we had shocked me. Not a big theme park person, but seeing how much fun my wife and daughter had made my trip. Key to it all was going for rope drop. Daughter was literally walking on and off all of the big rides (except the Potter rides).
I went in October, 2023; and used the single rider line for Hagrids. It was actually a much longer wait than if I had gone into the regular line!! I'd say, check with the attendant at the start of the line :)
Good to know that, thanks. When it comes to thrill rides, I am the only one in my family who does them.
Yes, any ride where there are only 2 seats in a row this tends to happen. Velocicoaster is the same. It is great for Gringots, Mummy, and Men in Black
When you were talking about parking you forgot to mention is the free valet parking if someone in your group has a premier pass. I use it every time I go. Saves a lot of time getting into City Walk.
Express is sometimes expensive but so worth it. Takes all the stress that Disney parks (Genie+) bring to the table!
I do like how easy the express passes are to use, for sure!
I'm glad they're doing a night time show. That was missing when we went last year
💯
Loveee Universal!! I need to go back asap. Also love volcano bay!
I’m not even a big water park person, and Volcano Bay still manages to impress me.
I've stayed at Hard Rock and walked to everything from there and it was totally worth it.
Rock on 🎶
The coke freestyle cup which is about 16.99 gives you free soda tea and slushies for the whole day and you never get dehydrated because it's a pay once and it's free all day it's well worth the money and you get a souvenir cup
Most soft drinks are inherently dehydrating. Anything with sugar and caffeine is. Water is always best.
And they have Powerade too.
Haven't been to Universal in years. I'm excited to go next year, or the year after. After a few Disney holidays, it's time for a change.
Me too. I haven't done Universal since I was a very small child, but I'm ready for Grinchmas this December.
I was with you to you said Universal food isnt that great, compared to Disney their snacks and food service overall is so much higher , outside festivals at Epcot.....
luv Wimpy's, Today Cafe, Thunder Falls, Green Eggs and Ham
I think the parking situation at universal is dramatized.
It’s not that bad. And a much easier experience than Magic Kingdom.
Escalators, moving walkways, and you’re in a covered garage? Yeah, it’s not that bad…
Now the security checkpoint in busy times of the year gets crazy. Which is why you should stay at the premier resorts or sapphire falls, because you go through security when you get on the water taxi.
Yeah, it's an incredibly easy experience. She was really grasping at straws with that one, like with most of this video. You can also just stay at any resort and avoid the main security lol, it isn't just premier and Sapphire😂😂😂
@@supersanic1254 you can? It must have changed since the last time I stayed.
At Adventura we would hop over to boat taxi. But at Endless Summer and Cabana Bay, the buses would drop you off at the main security hub. What do they do now?
Thank you for another fantastic video!
Thank YOU for being here!!
On the Express Pass all you have to do is get one nights at a premiere hotel and you get 2 days of unlimited express with the room for everyone in your party.even if you stay at say cabana bay you can get a night at a premier hotel and its cheaper than buying individual passes.
Personal story: I visited February 2023 after my last visit being in 2017, and had a blast, however after a long park day I went to get an uber and didn't realize they changed their uber lot from the bus parking to the top of the garage and I almost cried at the walking I had to do haha
Omg I feel this in my soul
I think since you’re talking about universal now you should know about universal Orlando informer meetups. They are like Disney’s after hour events but on steroids! They have limited tickets so the ride lines are like 5 to 10 minutes max and the best thing of all is they have unlimited food and snacks! It’s really worth the money.
This is something everyone should watch.
Had an AWESOME checkup yesterday. I don't have to go back till November for one last checkup before the plates and pins are removed next year
many of the times the single rider line doesn’t get split up if it’s 2-3 of you many times you’ll be on the same ride or right behind each other
Also, E.T will NEVER go away. Spielberg said once it’s in, it’s in, they can never tear it down.
It BETTER NOT! #ETfanclub
I'd love to see AJ cover six flags over texas lol
I just stayed at surfside inn this past weekend and I want to know if the free unlimited express pass is available?
Having a stroller and an adult who doesn’t ride rides is amazing, we can just leave all our stuff in the stroller!
We are definitely “Team Stroller Storage” on this channel 😂
Screen rides so true at Universal. I love universal and I get no motion sickness anywhere accept when I go there. I try and get the screen rides over and done in one day as result
I love universal but it’s never had the cast experience and magic of Disney. Whole of Disney from rides, to cast to restaurants is winner still for me, hoping Epic Universe blows it all out of water so raises bar for everyone even high and then we all win!
The ONLY way to Express Hagrids is to do a VIP tour, which is spendy but totally worth it. Comes with 2 meals (Breakfast & Lunch), waters, hand sanitizer and some sunscreen. Not to mention getting into places most people will never get to see and you will probably get 11-12 rides in a day and spend less than a couple minutes in lines at each ride.
It really isn't worth the price at all. Much cheaper to just stay at a premier resort and get unlimited express that way, as you can get WAY more than 11 or 12 rides in a day. If you are just looking to ride rides, VIP ain't worth it. You also don't get to see anything on the tour that millions before you haven't seen.
The Universal studios/island of adventure parking is so pricey at $25 per day. I hope they allow you to use your parking ticket if you've paid there, and use between epic universe rather than charging twice if you park hop
Pumpkin juice is amazing!!!
I’ve never seen the parks open past sunset. We went for a week over spring break and parks closed between 6pm and 8pm at the latest though we always saw people in there so appears they do corporate events.
Depending on when in Spring Break, it may have been Grad Nights. Only in summer on weekends does Universal stay open late. They are really close to neighborhoods, so even late events the outdoor rides have to close at 11.
I like universal more then disney rn. So much cheaper
Pro tip: book a single night at a premier resort like Hard rock and get unlimited express passes for registered room guests, for 2 days! The day you check in and the day you check out. You don’t even have to stay there, just check in and pay, it’s A LOT cheaper than buying them outright
Express pass is the bulldozer of fast pass, my family cant live without them😂
They’re SO easy to use!
I saw another video that states you can get an Uber to drop you off at the Hard Rock Hotel instead of city walk. It’ll be a shorter distance to walk. Can someone please confirm this?? Also where do you go after being dropped off at the hotel?
Could a Loungefly backpack fit in one of those free lockers? Also, you forgot something: Universal has no more FREE PAPER MAPS. They want you to QR code for the Universal app.
Depends on the Loungefly. I took one with me last visit and it fit okay, but I could see a Loungefly with lots of extra decor on it being more of a tight squeeze.
@@dfbbreea Thanks. Mine's the Mickey balloon one from the 50th.
It can be a squeeze, I would bring a tote bag or something also to put your nice bag in to protect from scratches if your forcing it in. What I also did was use two lockers if my bag was too full. Just a thought
So when are the Soda Goblin tshirts gonna be available in the DFB store? 😂😂😂
Omg can you IMAGINE
@@dfbbreea I would totally buy one!! 😉
Thinking about carrying my 3 kids to Universal. I know my 17 year old would enjoy it but not sure if my 6 year old and 3 year old would
It really depends on the kids. There are definitely sections of each Universal park that are kid-specific - but the rides might be more limited for them. I’d definitely read up on all the different height requirements for the attractions before you go!
@dfbbreea my middle child is a daredevil but she isn't very tall yet. I'll look into it. Maybe in a couple years
Something to consider with the water parks...Volcano Bay is very sandy. As someone who HATES the feel of sand on my feet, I did not enjoy this water park. I also would take any pool over the Stormalong Bay and Disney's Beach and Yacht club, because it has a sand bottom from what I've heard. I know I'm not the only person who hates sand and therefore am not a beach person, so just be aware that there are some places where you can't avoid sand. Some people love natural water like ponds, lakes, oceans, but I will take a pool any day just because it doesn't involve sand...usually. Disney and Universal are exceptions to that, so if you have sensory issues involving sand, be forewarned that you may need to do some research on which pools have sand and which are safe for you.
It's interesting to me that no soda is in the Wizarding world but an atm is. Lol😅
Squash is absolutely a British thing!
I think Universal quick service is better than WDW plus now that my kids are in their 20's the park just fits the vibe where WDW does not.....I appreciate this content.
Universal is definitely a more thrill-heavy destination than what Disney can offer up!
Might be more money but the express pass is so worth it!! Staying in a more expensive room to get the express pass free actually saved us so much time and some money. Totally worth it!
The premier hotel + express pass combo is definitely the BEST way to get those passes! You skip over the ride lines AND get a fancy room to sleep in? Sure, why not??
soda goblins unite
What is everyone's favorite ride at Universal Studios, and why?
The VelociCoaster probably became my favorite ride because of how smooth and thrill packed it is. I do however still have a soft spot for The Mummy ride.
Edit: Y'ALL, HOW COULD I FORGET HAGRID'S? Awesome ride 🩷
Hagrid’s for theming and story, Velicoaster for thrills and Mummy for nostalgia.
Hagrid’s overall, as I am a huge HP fan, and they did such a great job with that coaster, combining the story, the thrill of the backwards part, and the sheer length of the track and ride.
Hagrids because of the incredible theming, storytelling and mix of being a coaster and a dark ride
Also E.T. Because it has a very classic and nostalgic feel to it, and it’s the only original opening day ride that’s left in the studios park.
Hagrid’s! I love a coaster that also has great animatronics!
Even though I'm not a big water park person myself, I might try and see if I can visit Volcano Bay on my next trip, but it all depends as to whether or not I'll have time for that, as I tend to prioritise the theme parks rather than water parks, especially when it comes to doing both Disney and Universal
I’m not a huge water park person, either - but Volcano Bay definitely sets itself apart from the standard water park experience!
As a local in Orlando with APs to both Disney and Universal (I’ve also worked at both), I can verify that Volcano Bay is THE best water park in Orlando. There’s something for everyone. The theming great. The food is above par. Be sure not to miss the not so lazy lazy river lol
@@daledonaldson3672Yeah? I'll need to check my plans, see if I can fit it in
I'm sorry but I can't forgive you for the no soda in the Wizarding World rant. It's designed that way, as there was no soda in the Wizarding World in the movies there is no soda in the Wizarding World themed areas.
9:45 Yup. Too many screen rides. You get all excited about a ride and then...its a dumb screen.
💯 It's a lazy effort to "immerse" you in a movie-based ride. Universal engineers need to ride Rise Of The Resistance a few times.
@@jeffstanley6013Disney could learn quite a few things from universal as well.
The thing that shocked me is that even though the standby line for hogwarts express said 10 minutes, it took 45 minutes.
The large lockers are sadly enough 3 dollar 😢 we didn't knew and brought a big bag, thats no fair for such high ticket prices 😮
Was that Quincy from AlEars walking by on the lower right at the 2:02 point of the video.
👀
It was. She was also in several other shots.
Quincy and Cassie at 2:12 ?
@@vincent412l7 Yep
Question about those thrill rides and loose items- I can still wear my Phany pack on them right? At Disney there was no problem. Also it's okay to put my cap through a wrist right? I do that also.
I can't wait to see more videos on Universal because that's the next big park I want to go to (especially since my brother and his family prefer it to Disney). I am waiting for Epic Universe to open though since I am a HUGE Nintendo fan. Your videos on Disney definitely helped make that trip a great experience for me, so I'll be relying on y'all again for this park. I find how y'all format your videos to be easier to watch than others.
I found the Single Rider rides invaluable since and I personally don't mind skipping the 'nuances' of regular lines. The Hagrid's ride will be on my list to get onto asap since my family are early risers. Like when my family went to Disney we did stay at a resort to get the Early access and were able to get on Flight of Passage and Rise of the Resistance pretty decently. Flight of Passage was around 30 minutes, but we did have to wait a bit longer than that for Rise of the Resistance due to the ride breaking down once, but it was still less than an hour.
Thanks for the Screen warnings because I have sensory issues myself so I will be cautious of which rides I go on. All rides I went on, I wore my ear plugs for those reasons lol.
No, you cannot wear your fanny pack on a ride that specifies no loose articles.
@@daledonaldson3672 Thank you! I ask because most theme parks I got to (including my local ones) allow that.
Et needs to be redone ! It’s old and moldy. I’d like to see numbers on how many people ride et in a month !
#1. Pricing on food/ merchandise
I really like universal... but I looooooooove Disney much better!!!
They both have their pros and cons, but I’m glad we’ve got options!
The thing about Universal is you can do the whole thing in one day.
Just as long as I’ve gotten my ride on Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, everything else is just icing on top of the cake after that!
I forgot to take a pic of where my car was parked the last time I went.... I spent an hour trying to find my vehicle.
Oh no! We’ve been there
What shocked me was that the parks are horribly managed. Tons of wasted potential and clear lack of effective maintenance/development on the lands and facilities. My partner and I have been here for the past 3 days after spending a week at Disney world.
We've experienced staff that are completely apathetic, huge wait times for food and a total lack of enforcement when it comes to park admission (they let early entry guests and normal guests in simultaneously(???), so it's always a free for all)). Ads around the park are also really pushy about fast passes and paid lockers, which gets old fast compared to disney which lets you store items ON the ride for free.
TLDR Universal could be great but there's no attempt to make it a great experience. Disney felt magical BECAUSE it was ran almost perfectly.
I don't understand why the express passes have a range. Why would it range from 79.99 to 289.00? What do you get added for the extra 200?
it is date based. also there are 2 types, ride once and ride unlimited
You get nothing more. They get an extra $200 in profit.
You get longer lines to bypass.
What shocked us when we went to Universal for the first time was that you had to buy something completely seperate for the Hogwarts Express. You couldn't just ride it with a plain park ticket, it required something else completely. Sad thing was, that was the ONLY HP "ride" I'd be able to do (the other rides would probably trigger motion sickness or otherwise just affect me in an extreme way - I'm not a thrill ride seeker and sharp turns aren't my friends; I deal with that enough in the car).
I think the Express was basically a transport between parks, so that could explain why we couldn't simply ride it - it was just annoying we didn't know that, especially as first timers honoring my mom's wish to see Hogwarts before she passed. But eh, I've no beef about it; I just wish we knew prior to going (and it's our fault for not researching, I admit, but anyway).
Also, the People Dryers may take multiple uses. I used one at Sea World a long time ago, and I was still never completely dry - to the point I had a rash by the time we were back home/at the hotel (forgot which). So I'd suggest bringing a towel and more clothes so this doesn't happen to you - just in case they're as weak as I remember SW's being.
Yeah, Hogwart's Express is only available for park hopping sadly. You don't really miss much except for a little show that plays both outside your room and on the windows since they are not traditional.
Will the no loose item policy apply to insulin pumps? It doesn't exactly flap around.
Fight me all you want, but parking is 100% better at Universal than Disney. First of all, Disney parking takes 30 minutes too, especially at Magic Kingdom with the boat or Monorail. Second, as long as you dont end up on top, your car is shaded from the Flordia sun! Unless you are at parks until dark this matters. 3. You dont have to move your car to go between the two current parks.
There will never be soda at wizarding world or Jk Rowling will come with laser eyes at them
Why did I LOL so hard at this comment 🤣🤣🤣
Agreed hot Butterbeer is best! DEFINITELY better than any diet coke or other soda
🤣🤣🤣 AJ is very passionate about her Diet C
passes that allow you to skip the lines should not be sold. at any park.
I hate Genie + / Lightning Lane because I hate paying for what was once free but man, the price sure beats the cost of the Express Pass prices. What a rip-off. Especially since there are so few rides that are worth going on.
Express Pass and Genie+ both have their major pros and cons, but I think my biggest red flag for Express Passes is the fact that you can’t use them on Hagrid’s… which is literally my favorite IOA ride 😵
I need an ice cold Diet Coke at all times 🤣🤣
Now AJ is shilling for universal. Disney must be getting really bad.
She covers all central FL theme parks. “Shilling” is a bit harsh and unfair.
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I was surprised by how insanely slow the lines moved. Sitting down for ten minutes every time you move three feet is ridiculous. Waiting in a light sprinkle for 30 minutes then the butterbeer server just decided to shut it down for a break and never came back. The topper was a few incredibly rude ride operators. This first trip was bad enough for me to vote to never return. Happy for those that have always had a great time but this just shows how a first impression can ruin a whole reputation for some.
Sorry that was your first impression. I’ve never experienced anything like that when I’ve gone to universal and I’ve gone a bunch of times.
Me either!!! I had way more fun at universal than Disney, Disney had some rude employees but over all it was still magical and fun.
The saddest thing about Universal are their poor food options.
There’s lots of decent food at universal, you just need to know where to find it.
Meanwhile Disney World is just opening the Tiana ride which will be cool just looks like Universal will take over.